Thanks to stranger on Highway 401

My wife and I were headed to the border, pulling the 30-foot travel trailer that had been our home for almost five weeks on a trip celebrating our retirement.

As we approached Windsor on Highway 401, a man in a small blue car came up beside us, blowing his horn and waving frantically. We pulled over, with him behind us.

He jumped out of his car and pointed to the right rear wheel of the trailer. Smoke was pouring from the hub. He hastily told me that he had seen flames and metal explode from the wheel.

He wanted to be sure that we were OK and could get help. Rather stunned, I thanked him and went back to my truck to call 911, and then a tow truck.

It seemed we needed police help because of the narrow shoulder and pace of the traffic.

Our new friend drove off, but quickly pulled off the road again and walked back to our truck to be sure we were OK and could get help.

We were so stressed that all we thought to do was thank him and let him know that we were on the phone with the police dispatcher. We neglected to ask for his name and phone number so that we could update him.

We would love to thank him again and let him know how things are turning out for us.

An OPP officer arrived to provide a buffer from the traffic. Soon thereafter, a very helpful and knowledgeable tow-truck driver (Chris, from Myers Towing), helped us get our disabled trailer to a repair shop where it will be repaired over the next several days.

We are safe, thanks to this person whom we cannot identify. Had he not stopped us when he did, things could have deteriorated very quickly. Wishart and Mary Bell, South Bend, Ind.